Me Too Am Speaking

COCOA BUTTER MASK

I move with pride                    even though I hide                      the pain inside-                            I speak of shame                      not to defame                                or place blame-                        the embarrassment              was a detriment                          to my temperament-                    I didn’t choose to be a part of any movement or hash tag-      especially if the requirement meant that I’d be privy to sexual molestation-                It is with hesitation                that I proclaim            victimization-                    This is sad…                                  However, my aim                  is to lose the humiliation            that I hold inside-                        The resentment survivors carry, can vary                      from fear to anxiety-                  from depression to grief.            By standing up against abuse,  it’s a slight relief-                      Do I regret speaking up about the who touched me              that night? No-                              At the time (age 10),                    I lied and stated that                nothing was wrong                      but I cried-                            What made me think            that I could be strong enough    to say something,                      to tell my truth-                            When I did                                    I was not believed-                      It was not a reprieve                  It was a game-                              The only thing I achieved was  the name of  a liar.                      Him, he became the victim-      I tried to tell                                  that I was playing in Hell            with the devil                        with a grin-                                    He actually smiled at me            ever so gingerly                      like he was protected-                I felt neglected                          My family                                    did not help me                        My feelings were rejected-        I did not receive a hug,              a kiss or a pat                            on the forehead.                          I got yelled at instead-                Usually my mother                      coated our ills            with Cocoa Butter…                      it was better than pill-          This time, she seemed torn, confused, removed, worn.        I had nobody-                          My scars were infested              by sores                                      My skin bled with spores            of contempt.                                  I was used-                                    Even though                          years have gone by,                      therapy does not conceal            the harmful memories-                                                                        Prayer and meditation helps    to heal the clutter of emotions.  Forgiveness is key-                      I am writing my truth                to liberate me from hate.            Holding such rage in                  is not healthy-                              I pray that I can          shed some anger            towards this dead man.              I will forgive him one day-        My bruises are mine.                  Other people have died              trying to hide much pain.          I say ENOUGH!

My testament is to inspire,      to empower other people          to come forward.                        SPEAK UP!                          DON’T BE AFRAID!                      Seek assistance and put a stop  to this violent crime          before it repeats-                      It’s time to SUPPORT            each other-                                    LISTEN to one another              and mend scars                      that don’t fade-                          Let perpetrators know                their mistreatment won’t be tolerated and they will be punished!

#MeToo     #AmSpeaking            #Itriedtotell     #MyTruth

Reduce the fear                          of double victimization              by giving an objective ear        to someone in need.

BLESSED, On Cloud 9

I’m truly DELIGHTED by God’s MERCY and his GRACE.                                                            I’m GRATEFUL for BLESSINGS God has BESTOWED upon me.                                                I’m THANKFUL for the LOVE God has GIVEN me.                                                                      I’m PLEASED for the PATIENCE God has GRANTED me.                                                          I’m INDEBTED for the FORGIVENESS God has SHOWN me.                                                    I’m HOPEFUL for the WISDOM God has PROVIDED me.                                                          I’m HUMBLE for the LIFE God has AFFORDED me.                                                                  God has bestowed many blessings and I’m forever grateful.                                                   I’m truly EXCITED by God’s PRESENCE and his PRESENTS.

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Growing Strawberry Seeds

Gardeners to Flowers are like Parents to Children… They give love and attention to each seed they plant in hopes of its continuous healthy growth and happiness in the world. God and Mother Nature has cultivated this land, we call Earth and the rewards are endless. We are surrounded by beautiful creatures big & small, short & tall, in many shapes & colors. Gardening is a way to create sustainable life in a hopeful environment. Having a sense of direction doesn’t come to everyone. Yes, there are manuals to planting seeds and there are books for child rearing… However, it takes a special person to put in the care and effort to birth something that one would wish to grow pretty and strong. We sow greatness and we reap spectacular results. The amount of time, energy and patience, put into each seed, is often times reflected in what we produce. The outcome of nurture and nature is dependent upon our mothers, fathers and those in the community that foster an abundance of life, in a blooming society. Gardeners take pride in their crops, just as parents should be proud of their children’s many accomplishments and maturity.

#FlowersRadiateBeauty